169 Bar

Time Out says

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4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

The bouncers at the door aren’t window dressing—they’re serious about keeping out the rough element that characterized this hangout for much of its 80-year history. True, the venerable dive has evolved, hosting events with such partners as Triple 5 Soul (there’s an occasional cover of $5) and adding DJs who spin jungle and new wave. It hasn’t evolved too much, though: 169 remains a satisfyingly obscure place to get a beer for $3 and, until it’s time to hit the pool table, pump the music and start dancing.

One of the weirdest bars in the city, and I say this in the most loving way. The menu is long and they serve oysters and bomb $3 dumplings. Happy hour lasts a while and you text your order of cheap beer and cocktails.

There's a pool table in the back and a decent amount of seating making it the ideal place to wait for a table at the next door Mission Chinese (though your better getting your Chinese fix elsewhere, save for the Kung Pao pastrami).

Now that I'm older and wiser, I've come to appreciate the fine art of a good dive bar and 169 is truly just that.

It's tucked away, a bit farther downtown, super laid back ambiance, cheap strong drinks and delicious dumplings. Seriously though the dumplings are amazing. I came here for a co-workers going away party, got 2 drinks and an order of dumplings - my total? $10.

I don't know what sorcery this is but I'm really into it and will continue to come back here every chance I get, reserving space can be done by texting or emailing the restaurant PLUS once seated you can text your order to the bartenders. love love love this place.